An important point: Peter writes, not to the world, but to those who have been and are being sanctified by the Spirit and who, sprinkled with the blood of Jesus, are obedient to him (1:2) and those who have been “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1:2-3). In other words, not all will be able to receive Peter’s counsel and approve it.
Peter writes in the context of trials and persecutions that have come to God’s people, points out specific examples, and gives counsel as to how to respond. Seemingly, one of the most horrifically difficult passages to deal with is found in 2:18-25 because of the mention of slaves. But the passage is not about slavery; it is about unjust suffering and how to respond; thus, the theme is submission under trial, whether by government or by a slave-master. Ever hear someone exclaim, “My boss treats me like a slave!” Generally, I suspect, that concern is overblown; likely, the employee just doesn’t like to work hard.
However, always there have been real examples of mistreatment and slavery in the world. Peter wants us to know, when we are on the receiving end, how to respond. His task is not to pass judgment on slavery one way or the other even if we wish he did. Rather, he uses the example of the relationship between master and slave to illustrate mistreatment of others. He instructs us as to our proper response (2:18-20): Respect those over us even if we are wrongly treated; furthermore, it is to our credit if we do so (being sure that we do not deserve our suffering, vs. 20). Final thoughts: We cannot excuse our own bad behavior because of bad treatment by others. And, under authority, we can work joyfully because it is unto the Lord. By the way, we have an example, Jesus himself: “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth” (Isaiah 53:7).
More like Jesus would I be,
Let my Savior dwell with me;
Fill my soul with peace and love,
Make me gentle as a dove;
More like Jesus, while I go,
Pilgrim in this world below;
Poor in spirit would I be;
Let my Savior dwell in me. --Fanny Crosby (1868)
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